He and other top staff members met with groups of employees for 10 days and passed out bright yellow anti-union flyers.

However, last fall more than 200 of the jail's 708 or so officers expressed interest in a union. They said they are not receiving fair treatment and that safety and benefits have deteriorated.

The state's Public Employees Regulatory Commission has authorized a union election for the corrections officers, including managers and supervisors.

Ballots will be cast Tuesday and Wednesday at the 33rd Street jail to determine whether the officers will be represented by the Central Florida Police Benevolent Association.

County administrators have promised to maintain existing benefits, improve working conditions and include corrections employees in decision-making. But many jail workers said they still are not receiving fair treatment, said Bob Parmenter, president of the police union that led the election effort.

Among the employees' complaints are a perceived lack of concern for employee safety, losses in health benefits and inadequate employee grievance procedures, Parmenter said.

Administrators have ''been making promises, talking about safer working conditions over a long period of time,'' Parmenter said. Meanwhile, ''they're spending thousands of taxpayers' dollars to fight a union.''

In January 1988, officers rejected unionizing attempts by the police association and two other unions. That election came just a few months after the county took control of the jail from the sheriff's office.

Allison said unions are unnecessary for corrections workers in Florida. Costs associated with unions would eat up money that is currently spent on employees, he said.

He also said employees now can talk directly with managers but unions would add another layer of bureaucracy in resolving disputes.

Allison was forceful in trying to convince his employees to vote against the union, said one corrections officer who wished to remain anonymous.

''He said, 'Look at the things we've done for you. We gave you shoes,' '' the officer said. ''Who the hell wanted shoes?''

Money is never the issue, Parmenter said. ''Job security, a good grievance procedure, fair and equitable treatment is what we're seeking.''